David Grof lands contract at Walsall

Hungarian goalkeeper David Grof today signed a one-year contract at Walsall and could join the Saddlers' new-boys in a Banks’s bow against Wolves.

The 22-year-old, who clinched his deal after impressing on the club's tour of Scotland, will be in the squad on duty for the Banks's Stadium friendly tonight.

Grof closed last season with an acclaimed spell at Mansfield before his release from parent club Notts County and Walsall boss Dean Smith believes the Budapest-born goalkeeper has what it takes to both understudy and apply pressure to Saddlers favourite Jimmy Walker.

Smith said: “We liked what we saw of him in Scotland and during training. I’ve kept tabs on him since the end of last season and had good reports on him.

“He has been excellent in training with us, the lads like him and he has fitted in well within the team group.

“I didn’t want to bring in someone to be a permanent substitute to ‘Wacca.’ I wanted someone who can keep him on his toes and push him all the way for that No.1 spot.

"In David, I think we have a goalkeeper to do just that.”

Grof becomes the seventh signing in Smith’s 2011 makeover of a Saddlers squad he is endeavouring to galvanise into a promotion-challenging force, after last season’s remarkable League One relegation escape.

All will get their first airing before the home fans but tonight’s game promises to be particularly important to another Walsall trialist, hoping to persuade Smith to make him the next addition.

A berth is being kept open for a central midfielder and ex-Everton and Plymouth man Anton Peterlin, who will get another opportunity to impress.